Why Are My Lights Flickering in My Old South African Home?

Why Are My Lights Flickering in My Old South African Home?

Understanding & Solving the Problem

You're relaxing in your beautiful, character-filled South African home, perhaps enjoying a quiet evening, when suddenly – your lights begin to flicker. It's a common, often unsettling experience for owners of older properties. While a flickering light might seem like a minor annoyance, it can often be a symptom of a deeper electrical issue, ranging from simple fixes to serious safety concerns.

This article will help you understand why your lights might be flickering, what to look out for, and when it’s time to call in the professionals.

What Causes Flickering Lights? Common Culprits in Older Homes

Flickering lights are a red flag, especially in homes built decades ago. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

1. Loose Connections

This is perhaps the most common reason for flickering lights. Over time, and especially in older installations, wires can become loose at various points:

• At the light fixture itself: The connections where the bulb screws in or where the fixture wires connect to the house wiring can become loose.

• At the light switch: Wires behind the switch can work free, leading to intermittent power.

• In the electrical panel: Connections to circuit breakers can loosen, affecting an entire circuit.

• At the main service entrance: Loose connections where power enters your home can cause widespread flickering.

2. Faulty Light Bulbs

Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the right one. A loose bulb, a cheap LED that's incompatible with an old dimmer switch, or a bulb nearing the end of its life can cause flickering.

3. Overloaded Circuits

Older homes often have fewer circuits and outlets than modern homes, and their wiring wasn't designed for today's array of high-power appliances. If too many devices are drawing power from one circuit, it can cause voltage drops, leading to flickering lights. This is particularly common when an appliance like a geyser, oven, or even a vacuum cleaner kicks on.

4. Outdated or Damaged Wiring

Many old South African homes still have original wiring systems like "knob and tube" or early forms of sheathed cable. Over decades, insulation can degrade, wires can corrode, or be damaged by pests. This creates poor conductivity and can manifest as flickering lights, alongside more serious fire hazards.

5. Faulty Appliances

A large appliance with an internal electrical fault can draw inconsistent power, causing lights on the same circuit (or even throughout the house) to flicker. Think refrigerators, freezers, or washing machines.

6. Issues with Your Electrical Panel (DB Board)

Your distribution board (DB board) is the heart of your home's electrical system. An old or faulty main breaker, corroded bus bars, or loose connections within the panel can lead to erratic power supply to various circuits, resulting in flickering lights across multiple areas.

7. Problems with the Utility Company's Supply

Less common, but still a possibility, is an issue with the power supply coming into your home from the utility grid. This could be due to problems at the transformer, damaged overhead lines, or poor connections at the meter box. If flickering occurs throughout your entire neighbourhood, this is a likely cause.

When Is Flickering a Serious Concern?

While a loose bulb is easily fixed, some flickering scenarios demand immediate attention:

• Persistent flickering: If it happens constantly and doesn't seem to be tied to a specific appliance.

• Flickering accompanied by other issues: This includes buzzing sounds from outlets or switches, burning smells, discoloured outlets, or frequently tripping circuit breakers.

• Flickering throughout the entire house: This suggests a main service issue rather than an isolated circuit problem.

• Flickering affecting all lights in one room/circuit: This points to a problem with that specific circuit, a loose connection at the breaker, or an overloaded circuit.

These symptoms could indicate serious issues like arcing faults, overloaded circuits, or degrading wiring, all of which pose significant fire risks.

What Can a Homeowner Do? Simple Troubleshooting Steps

Before calling an electrician, you can try a few safe troubleshooting steps:

1. Check the Bulb: Ensure it's screwed in tightly and replace it with a new one to rule out a faulty bulb.

2. Test the Switch/Outlet: If it's a specific fixture, try using another appliance or light in the same outlet to see if it also flickers.

3. Unplug Appliances: On the affected circuit, try unplugging large appliances one by one to see if the flickering stops, identifying a potential culprit.

4. Check Your DB Board (Cautiously): If comfortable, gently flip the main breaker off and on once or twice to reset it. Never touch exposed wiring. If you see any signs of burning or hear buzzing, do not attempt this.

Why Professional Help is Crucial for Older Homes

Dealing with electrical issues in an old South African home requires expertise. The complexity of older wiring, adherence to current SANS standards, and the potential for hidden dangers mean that electrical work is best left to certified professionals.

A qualified electrician can:

• Diagnose the Root Cause: Accurately identify whether the problem is a loose connection, an overloaded circuit, faulty wiring, or a utility issue.

• Ensure Safety: Correctly address fire hazards and bring your electrical system up to current safety standards.

• Perform Upgrades: Recommend and implement necessary upgrades like a new DB board, circuit additions, or a full rewiring if needed.

• Provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC): Essential for verifying the safety and legality of your home's electrical installation, especially important for insurance or when selling your property.

Don't Let Flickering Lights Dim Your Home's Safety

Flickering lights in your old South African home are more than just an inconvenience; they are a sign that your electrical system needs attention. Prioritising electrical safety protects your home, your family, and your investment. Don't wait for a small flicker to become a major problem.

Is your old South African home experiencing flickering lights or other electrical woes? Don't take chances with your safety.

Contact Rosen Electrical today for a comprehensive electrical inspection and expert solutions tailored to older properties.

Our certified electricians will diagnose the problem, ensure your home meets all safety standards, and provide peace of mind.

Call us or visit our website to schedule an appointment!